Learning from the world. Inspiring change in the UK.
We are the Churchill Fellowship: a UK charity which supports individual UK citizens to follow their passion for change, through learning from the world and bringing that knowledge back to the UK. Together our community of Churchill Fellows use their international learning to lead the change they wish to see across every area of UK life. We were founded by public donation in 1965 as the living legacy of Sir Winston Churchill for the nation.
To mark our 60th Anniversary, we're excited to share the Oral History Project – a growing collection of recorded conversations capturing the journeys, reflections and experiences of our Fellows. Now available online for the first time, these stories offer a unique opportunity to explore the personal insights and contributions of Fellows and supporters over the years.
We’re hiring a Director of Engagement to help amplify the impact of our Fellows and strengthen our networks! This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape strategy, build partnerships, and drive meaningful change across the UK. Apply by Monday, 31st March 2025.
60 years since the launch of the Churchill Fellowship, nearly 6,000 Fellows have been pioneering change across the UK. To honour their work, we’re launching a £10m Appeal to fund the Activate Programme, empowering Fellows to turn their ideas into action.
Our Changemaker Stories series highlights the inspiring journeys of Churchill Fellows tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges – from connecting refugees with their neighbours to transforming emergency services for Deaf people, these remarkable Fellows are creating real impact. Watch the series now and be inspired to join our community of changemakers.
Churchill Fellows are a unique source of ideas from around the world for a range of issues across all areas of UK society. Read some of their latest below or head to our News and Views section to find out more.
In a UK study, 61% of disabled people were found to be chronically lonely, with loneliness amongst young disabled people reaching almost 70%. As Emily Hyland explains, behind these figures are real people experiencing consequences which extend far beyond just a feeling of loneliness.
By Emily Hyland, 21 March 2025
Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how impact media platforms in the USA, India, and Sri Lanka are funded, structured, and sustained. Meeting over 100 media leaders, I saw thriving models that blend philanthropy, individual support, and social enterprise to drive democratic engagement and social change. The UK faces real challenges in sustaining independent impact media, but by learning from these approaches, we can develop new funding models, strengthen governance, and build a more resilient sector.
By Caroline Diehl, 13 March 2025
This World Book Day, we’re celebrating the power of books to share knowledge, spark ideas, and inform understanding—something that Churchill Fellows do across every sector. From science education and sustainable fashion to grief and wellbeing, many Fellows have written, published, and been featured in books that bring fresh perspectives to some of the UK’s most pressing issues. Whether exploring solutions to global challenges or sharing personal stories, their books are one of the ways they create impact, translating their learning into action.
My Churchill Fellowship in 1987 took me to the USA, where I explored the growing field of exercise and health science, learning from pioneers like Kenneth Cooper. Inspired by what I saw, I introduced the UK’s first Wellness programme at Bristol University and helped launch a master’s in Exercise and Health Science. I’m proud to have played a part in the development of Wellness in the UK, and my work continues with the Foundation for Leadership through Sport, bringing leadership development to sport, business, and beyond.
By Robert Reeves, 27 February 2025
Empowering boys to understand, express and regulate their emotions.
2024
Supporting disabled people to take up high-level positions in organisations through leadership programmes
2016
Improving dementia care through new teaching models for nurses
2019
Engaging young people in politics through innovative social action campaigns
2016
Engaging deprived urban communities in handball sports
2020
The Fellowship inspires change at many different levels. Fellows combine their personal vision and experience with their global learning to strengthen UK communities and sectors and influence services and policies locally and nationally. Many also tell us about the transformational impact of the Fellowship on their own lives.
Learn moreWe welcome support for our unique programme of Fellowships, which transform lives, communities and professions across the UK. You can help our work through donations, partnerships and legacies, which are vital for growing the impact and the opportunity we offer. We are always pleased to discuss ways to get involved.
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